ROCK CITY — Randall “Joe” Boyer died suddenly March 1. At the time he was the Democratic candidate for Rock Run Township highway commissioner.

And, because the general election ballots had already been printed, he still is.

According to Stephenson County Clerk Vici Otte, if a deceased person wins an election, the seat is declared vacant and someone is appointed by the Township Board.

“It’s an unusual circumstance,” said Mike Zettle, Boyer’s son-in-law. “It’s unique, and unfortunately, we’re on the bad end of it.”

To make matters more unusual, Boyer’s family is urging residents to still vote for him.

“Joe felt like it was time for a change,” Zettle said. “If we get that change, maybe we can make things better.”

The family has been circulating leaflets to township voters asking them to vote for Boyer, who was 59 years old. They hope for a victory so the Township Board will appoint someone new to the job.

“This is what he wanted,” Zettle said. “Whether he wins or not, we think it’s something we needed to do.”

Rock Run Township covers both Rock City and Davis and is one of the most extensive townships in Illinois, covering more than 70 square miles. The position of highway commissioner is a four-year term, which Boyer’s family hopes would be filled by a Democrat.

The race features incumbent Republican Eric Fiene and independent Shawn Schadewaldt in addition to Boyer.

“In our township, it’s a pretty Republican area,” Zettle said.

“It’s just how strongly he felt that we needed change and I hope we can get something done.

“I believe Joe thinks we’d be doing the right thing. We just think it’s the right thing to do. He felt pretty strongly about it.”